Robert Laurent was an American

United States

The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

 sculptor

Sculpture

Sculpture is three-dimensional artwork created by shaping or combining hard materials—typically stone such as marble—or metal, glass, or wood. Softer materials can also be used, such as clay, textiles, plastics, polymers and softer metals...

, known for his sensitive interpretations of the human form.

Laurent was born in Concarneau, Brittany France. There, at the age of 12 his artistic talents were recognized by art connoisseur Hamilton Easter Field

Hamilton Easter Field

Hamilton Easter Field was an important American artist, teacher, author, critic, collector and patron of the arts.-References:...

 who then brought him to the United States. In 1908 he travelled to Rome with Field and there studied with Maurice Sterne

Maurice Sterne

Maurice Sterne was an American sculptor and painter remembered today for his association with philanthropist Mabel Dodge Luhan, to whom he was married from 1916 to 1923. He began his career as a draftsman and painter, and critics noted the similarity of his work, in its volume and weight, to...

 as well as with wood carver Giuseppe Doratori at the British Academy

British Academy

The British Academy is the United Kingdom's national body for the humanities and the social sciences. Its purpose is to inspire, recognise and support excellence in the humanities and social sciences, throughout the UK and internationally, and to champion their role and value.It receives an annual...

.